At the start of the missionary movement, scores of Bible institutes were founded to train ministers and missionaries. Over the past half century, many of these (formerly) spartan Bible colleges have become comprehensive colleges or universities. They added many programs (nursing, education, counseling, etc), activities (sports, clubs, etc.), and amenities (sports and recreational facilities, student unions, lavish dorms, coffee bars, fancy dining facilities, etc.). As an example, consider the recent article on Simpson’s newest scholarship sport: bass fishing.
There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these changes. Yet, these were paid for by increasing tuition and other fees. Until recently, these increases were tolerated by most students as they could be paid with financial aid (a/k/a student debt).
Generally, this is not God's way (see Pr. 22:7 and Rom. 13:8). Even so, C&MA universities and colleges (as well as most Christian colleges and universities) evolved to depend on an ever increasing level of student debt.
Today, many students and parents are becoming aware that there are alternative means of obtaining a Christian education without ungodly levels of debt.
Unless C&MA colleges and universities drastically reduce the cost of programs they will likely close in the foreseeable future.
BTW: I know that I should have spelled straits instead of straights - but I have not figured out how to edit a topic title.